Best of 2004: A Laid-Back Bar

Bourbon (2348 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-625-7770) arrived at the perfect time. Apple-martini-fueled lounge-hopping was growing tiresome. People craved a place where they didn’t have to dress up, where they could listen to Johnny Cash and get a real drink.

This Glover Park bar’s beauty lies in its simplicity–straightforward food (tasty ostrich burgers and grilled-cheese sandwiches, Old Bay fries, and famous bourbon-baked beans), great selections of small-batch bourbons and American microbrewed ales, friendly bartenders, and a casual crowd. It’s packed on weekends, but during the week it’s just that great little bar around the corner.